Decorah, IA

Set among the steep limestone bluffs of northeast Iowa's Driftless Area, Decorah offers a scenic, lively pace of life for its 7,500 residents. The town combines rich Norwegian roots with the youthful energy of Luther College, resulting in an active downtown full of local restaurants, coffee shops, a member-owned food co-op, and world-renowned craft breweries. With the Vesterheim Norwegian-American Museum and a steady calendar of campus arts and community gatherings, there is always something to do along Water Street.

ATTRBobak Ha'Eri / CC BY 3.0

Outdoor recreation is woven directly into everyday life here. The Upper Iowa River winds right through the valley for easy kayaking and canoeing, while the eleven-mile Trout Run Trail and parks like Dunning’s Spring and Palisades give residents quick access to hiking, biking, and trout streams. Summer traditions like Nordic Fest bring the whole town together, and nearby spots like Seed Savers Exchange reflect a strong local commitment to agriculture and conservation. It is a welcoming, creative community with natural beauty you will not find anywhere else in the state.